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Post by doublechevron on Aug 19, 2016 21:56:29 GMT 10
 Have you ever heard of a towbar failing ? Yeah me neither seeya, Shane L. I've seen a number of failed towbars due to cracked welds, overloading, etc; also the severely ripped underside of a XD Falcon wagon (A diy modified towbar bolted in all the wrong places.).  I've seen early commonbores with cracked C pillars (factory towbars). I've also seen failed hayman reece box receivers. I think that would have been shock loads due to accidents |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 18, 2016 11:53:39 GMT 10
Have a look ont he caravan and camping buy swap and sell on facebook
Julieanne Hoekstra to CARAVAN & CAMPING Buy, Swap & Sell
21 mins ·
Caravan to renovate
$900
Emerald, Queensland
WTS Fibreglass Olympic Debonair 14ft caravan
Structurally sound. Needs total refit inside. Framing for king singles up each end with storage underneath. $900 ono
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 17, 2016 23:19:25 GMT 10
Big cars - little cars - have both but makes no difference as far as the garage is concerned. Hasn't been a car in my double garage for years.....it's full of cupboards-shelves-benches-tools-auto stuff-beer fridge & anything else the handbrake won't let me have in the house. Plus that's where the projects and work go on, so yeah - garage is a must ( the bigger the better ) regardless of the car !! Oh the answer is simple ... you need more shedding ... I"m eyeing this one off ... but my wife isn't showing much interest  www.sheds.com.au/farm/barns/#product40the "super classic barn" ... I could fit hoists and high stuff down the middle. Almost enough space down the sides for a project or two.... Perfect |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 17, 2016 11:02:10 GMT 10
Its a bubble car!! why would you bother? Not all of us feel the need to 'compensate' by owning a large car. I don't like to brag but I reckon my car would fit in there without the ramp. Tim I do ... I do ... Most of my cars are about 5meters long LOL..... Does a Citroen 2cv count as a "small car" these day ? Or isn't that "manly" enough to drive any more I don't like little cars ..unless there fun. eg: I could have a lot of fun in something like an Alpine A110 or similar Lifes to short to drive tediously boring merde IMO |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 14, 2016 22:56:45 GMT 10
Shane this whole certified towbar thing came home to me yesterday when at a mate's workshop , he was doing a job on a light truck based motorhome fitting a hitch'n'go but first he needed to fit a towbar and ordered one from Hayman Reese the bloody thing comes unassembled the main bit is all done but then the ends are just pre cut stamped for whatever vehicle it is to be fitted to so you fit the chassis bits slide the centre square bar into them and weld the suckers in place , this is all fine IF it is a qualified or capable welder doing it not some slack backyarder with an Aldi special stick machine  BUT the shocker here is the bar centre is stamped and certified this is PRE having the ends welded on  They seem to have just several central styles to cover all makes then heaps of precut end plates ready to be fitted bit like Ikea just need a allen key  It's true, any nong handy with a tape measure and welder can build a towbar. Then there's the questions like have they got the right design, correct material, size and thicknesses, suitable bolts ( Bolt shear equation ), included crush tubes (box chassis), etc; Failure of one or more could result in an accident and/or lawful case of negligence. It's why we have standards, regulations and engineers. Most companies sell towbar 'kits' to businesses and include fitting/welding instructions that clearly state a qualified person must do the fitting/welding and will not accept liability otherwise. In respect to a 3500kg bar, the same model towbar may be fitted to many different vehicles, the variabless are chassis width, drop required, etc; hence loose end plates. Reputable companies like Bartlett Equpment will forward the etched compliance plate after being inspected and passed by a Registered Engineering Signatory. Towbars - Compliance and Safety A towbar may be scrutinised for compliance in all states of Australia under the following circumstances: Inspection by a Registered Engineering Signatory During the registration process Routine roadside inspections/annual vehicle inspections/roadworthy tests Police investigation in the event of an accident Insurance assessment in the event of an accident Vehicle owner/operator checking compliance Design Regulations ADR62 Australian Design Rule 62, Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 62/02 – Mechanical Connections Between Vehicles) 2007AS4177.1 Australian Standard - Caravan and light trailer towing components - Towbars and towing brackets. www.standards.com.au google search
 Wow ... Really, I'm not fussed... My old home made bars have been happily giving service for upto 50year.... I personally don't see why they won't last another 50 Have you ever heard of a towbar failing ? Yeah me neither seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 12, 2016 14:30:07 GMT 10
 Tell me your kidding Most people proficient at fabrication will make the bar from scratch (it's no big deal). I don't like the idea of selling a "complete" towbar that needs welding. I'd probably do it as I can weld it and verify all my welds are ok. You may find that towbar is only supposed to be sold to "trade" and never the general public. As anyone in trade will have a certified welder do any welding to cover themselves. For anything like a trailer/caravan drawbar.... I'd outsource it though. A part of this stuff is knowing your limitatons. Welding on somethign critical like a drawbar laying on you back under a trailer is something I'd never do. seeya, shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 12, 2016 9:44:53 GMT 10
Give me a break. If you run up the back of someone you are 100% at fault .... full stop ... end of story. I can park my car on a busy road and walk away from it. Anyone that runs into the back of it is still at fault. Given your criteria, every truck that gets run up the arse of, will be 100% at fault as they did the most damage .... what a bizare way of looking at stuff. next you'll be telling me the big heavy bullbar on my car will make me liable for anyone that runs into it! If your so worried, I'll stamp you up a build plate... put on it "Shanes towbars". You'll then be legal. Much like any trailer I make I can stamp "Homemade" into and it's 100% legal. You just pay the $10 bucks for the compliance plate and fill it out yourself. seeya, Shane L. In the insurance world , generally, any driver who does not take reasonable care is at fault. And I did say " A rear end accident might get split" , all depends on the circumstances. (Who's fault if you run into the rear of a car legally/ illegally/broken down parked in a dark spot at night, around a sharp bend, without it's lights on? And due to oncoming traffic without option to swerve. Yours? 100%? ) Ask Shannons for a copy of their Fault Determination Rules What's "bizarre" is your way of interpreting what is actually stated in posts ... simple criteria " non-compliant aftermarket fitting".
For the record.. I've been a registered trailer builder since 1995, also have made over 1500 towbars (@1200 being truck towbars) and fitted many from Holden to Hino since the early eighties to recently. I can tell you straight, for many years all tow bars need to be certified. Fixing a dodgy compliance plate on one won't pass muster if push comes to shove. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just checked my insurance policy... General Exclusions
Page 10
You are not covered under this policy:
- If the car has any modification from the manufactures original design without our written agreement. How did I not read this correctly. You build trailers ? Mate... Your 100% right. if your building trailers as a business... Your business is 100% liable for any towbar that leaves and must be plated correctly. To cover yourself. As it is a new current towbar. Any homemade towbar fitted to a car simply isn't relevant. ( Can you prove it was made yesterday and not 30years ago after all ). As soon as you talk running a business. This stuff all changes. You simply can't take a risk with anything My sister inlaw is getting a trailer build down at Bills Trailers in Melbourne. A food trailer (I just about bloody fell over, some $60,000 all up completed). My wife has been insisting I need to go look at it as she googled reviews of the place.... They are all bad (except the obvious fake reviews). You know .... His trailers looked structurally sound... Sure there not perfect, but all the review were utter bullshit. Every weld looked good to me. Lots of bracing, plenty strong enough, no spindly drawbars .... I'd buy one tomorrow with no hesitation. Sure there was stuff I didn't like about the way the food van is built. But they were 100% safe and ok from what I could see. What's the world coming to when you can't believe everything you read online seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 10, 2016 16:40:08 GMT 10
Give me a break. If you run up the back of someone you are 100% at fault .... full stop ... end of story. I can park my car on a busy road and walk away from it. Anyone that runs into the back of it is still at fault. Given your criteria, every truck that gets run up the arse of, will be 100% at fault as they did the most damage .... what a bizare way of looking at stuff. next you'll be telling me the big heavy bullbar on my car will make me liable for anyone that runs into it! If your so worried, I'll stamp you up a build plate... put on it "Shanes towbars". You'll then be legal. Much like any trailer I make I can stamp "Homemade" into and it's 100% legal. You just pay the $10 bucks for the compliance plate and fill it out yourself. seeya, Shane L. In the insurance world , generally, any driver who does not take reasonable care is at fault. And I did say " A rear end accident might get split" , all depends on the circumstances. (Who's fault if you run into the rear of a car legally/ illegally/broken down parked in a dark spot at night, around a sharp bend, without it's lights on? And due to oncoming traffic without option to swerve. Yours? 100%? ) Ask Shannons for a copy of their Fault Determination Rules What's "bizarre" is your way of interpreting what is actually stated in posts ... simple criteria " non-compliant aftermarket fitting".
For the record.. I've been a registered trailer builder since 1995, also have made over 1500 towbars (@1200 being truck towbars) and fitted many from Holden to Hino since the early eighties to recently. I can tell you straight, for many years all tow bars need to be certified. Fixing a dodgy compliance plate on one won't pass muster if push comes to shove. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Just checked my insurance policy... General Exclusions
Page 10
You are not covered under this policy:
- If the car has any modification from the manufactures original design without our written agreement. Oh man this is hilarious. If I could show you have much is NOT original on my cars and caravans .... You are worrying about NOTHING. Your worried about a towbar. I built my car trailer and box trailer. No checks ever ... I've used them for years.... But please.... Stress yourself about a simple towbar if it makes you feel better. Lets see, my 1963 Citroen. non-original tires, non-asbestos brake pads, mineral oil conversion on it's hydrualics. I've fitted a powered steered rack and upgraded the hydraulic pump. The rear brake likes have had the swivels removed and replaced with flexible lines. The clutch is a later diahpram type, not a finger type... Um, the engine is a later motor fitted with a harmonic damper.... it features mostly it's original paint though.... I'm sure that cracked perished paint that shows the metal will keep the insurance companies happy LOL. OH, and don't forget the home made towbar ... that was likely made 53years ago.... Still going strong. I dont' get why your so worried about nothing. I strongly suggest avoiding vintage cars and caravans before you have stress attacks about all the "modified" bits seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 10, 2016 9:32:24 GMT 10
In determining who was at fault in an accident, Insurance companies often split the blame as a percentage of liability. eg A rear end accident might get split 15/85. And whilst you believe Shannons will ignore it, the other drivers budget insurance company may argue excessive damage to their customers car due to an over engineered, non compliant towbar or an uninsured drivers lawyer do likewise. Followed by a demand of lesser liability claim......... Or perhaps an over zealous assessor might report it. Insurance companies, being the scum they are, in my experience, always look to escape paying. Hence, the option of voiding insurance for undisclosed modifications. Ask yourself, is not disclosing a modification worth the risk? I'm not worried, my towbar is noted on my policy. Give me a break. If you run up the back of someone you are 100% at fault .... full stop ... end of story. I can park my car on a busy road and walk away from it. Anyone that runs into the back of it is still at fault. Given your criteria, every truck that gets run up the arse of, will be 100% at fault as they did the most damage .... what a bizare way of looking at stuff. next you'll be telling me the big heavy bullbar on my car will make me liable for anyone that runs into it! If your so worried, I'll stamp you up a build plate... put on it "Shanes towbars". You'll then be legal. Much like any trailer I make I can stamp "Homemade" into and it's 100% legal. You just pay the $10 bucks for the compliance plate and fill it out yourself. seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 8, 2016 23:21:56 GMT 10
of course you can't overload your car .... I haven't mentioned a towbar fitted to any of my cars to shannons ... it's a taken ... most cars have them fitted and the owners would not even know as the tongue isn't there. You really are worrying about nothing. Ring your insurance company and say "I have an old car iwth a towbar on it ... What do I do ?" I bet they say "Nothing" ....
The reason shannons won't to know, is they will cover the extras seperately and they increase the value of the vehicle.
seeya,
Shane L.
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 8, 2016 10:12:29 GMT 10
Realistically I have NEVER heard of this ever happening with any insurance company. Someone like Shannons would never risk there name in the classic car area with such a bullshit claim After all, every single towbar on pretty much ever car they insure will NOT be plated. NONE of mine are! seeya, Shane L.
Car Insurance for Towbar-Fitted Vehicles
"insurers deem fitting a towbar to your car a modification, which if they’re not notified about, could see your insurance become invalid."
Odds on, any new bar fitted must pass compliance for insurance purposes. Like I said "Read your policy carefully" and it'll be a good idea to check with your insurance company. What insurance company ..... Where is this in any PDS ? I'll say it again .... Have you ever heard of ... anywhere in the world someone being denied a claim due to the towbar fitted to there car. You'd go straight to one of those crappy tv current affairs problems and court. The idea that **anything** is going to be "original" on a 25+ year old car is ludicrous to say the least. I just checked all the shannons PDS etc.... no mention of towbars anywhere. seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 4, 2016 15:50:52 GMT 10
I wouldn't worry about the cops , doubt they'd know what to look for.. It's the insurance companies that will provide a sting in the event of an accident. Even a non-towing rear end accident might find you out of pocket for full costs due to a non-compliant aftermarket fitting. Read your policy carefully. If you find an off the rack towbar to your liking, the maker should be able to modify with engineer approval at a lower cost than full certification. Realistically I have NEVER heard of this ever happening with any insurance company. Someone like Shannons would never risk there name in the classic car area with such a bullshit claim After all, every single towbar on pretty much ever car they insure will NOT be plated. NONE of mine are! seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 3, 2016 14:40:59 GMT 10
I've made them myself in the past. Just download the build sheet for your mustang. Reqalisically you have it very easy. There is a chassis there to bolt it too... The monocoque design of nearly all of my cars (even dating back to the 1930s) mean you need to be very careful how they are bolted on.
Just buy a hitch receiver (box type) and make it up yourself. You'll probably make it 1000% stronger than it needs to be .... if your anything like most DIY people.
seeya,
shane L.
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 3, 2016 12:25:57 GMT 10
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 3, 2016 12:18:54 GMT 10
gee's don't convert it .... I consider the "oddities" of different cars half the appeal. Even if they drive you bloody insane |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 2, 2016 10:06:42 GMT 10
How do you find driving on the wrong side of the road. I've driven a friends Citroen SM that was left hand drive ( he purchased it from the heinz family in the USA a few year back when the car collection was sold off). What a beast, it had lived in a musuem it's whole life... it even smelt new. It sure was fun to try and start up again after it was turned off in my drive after some heat soak got into it. The 3 twin choke weber carbies must have flooded the motor. Those quad cam maseraties sure do sound nice sucking through all those carbies though! It was very strange driving on the wrong side of the road, changing gears with the door handle ( LOL ). |
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Post by doublechevron on Aug 2, 2016 10:00:10 GMT 10
All of my cars are on 45days permit. The intension is to drive them lots. I tell you though, the last 2months, I haven't even wanted to back them out of the shed. The weather is awful. Sure I'd drive any of them if I needed to (ie: was stuck without the daily driver) but why the hell park them at work all day in the pouring rain for no reason Heater demisting and wipers are hilariously (bad) in old cars too It's all fun right ?  this is what I've been playing with every chance I get over winter. It's my fathers car, it's been sitting for at least 20years with gearbox issues. I've got that sucker in about 1million bits at the moment. Hopefully I'll have it back together by the end of winter. So they raise 40billion a year, yet savehousholds $3,000 a year. What does the revenue appear by magic out of thin air ? What a steaming pile of merde we are being fed. seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 29, 2016 11:15:15 GMT 10
So i wonder what the difference is between the 521 and 291? If both are adhesives I would prefer the 291 given its marine grade. As mentioned before, sikaflex has soooo many variations its just confusing. I re-read this thread and i really like the idea of your butyl rubber sealant in a cartridge that you used... ie its going to get into the valleys by squeezing out. Exactly the same as when i used the sika 291, but in this case it can be removed. How is it holding up? The butyl sealant ? You will need to ask me in 20years time It's obviously still as good as the day it was assembled being only ... what 12months ago Being made with modern chemicals, I doubt it will dry out anywhere near as quickly as the stuff used in the 70's (especially when protected from the sun with foam seals). seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 20, 2016 10:24:15 GMT 10
I think everyone should check out a Euro van, at least once! I will never forget my 1998 UK trip and a mate had a 17footer we had to move to get his racing dinghy out behind. He had a Fiat Punto that happlily towed it! #mindblown Yes, if you have $$$ especially the australia built bailey: They actually tested them like car manufactures : www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fyvj8CTlgIEMy Parents have an Aussie spec ( ie: heavy duty spec ) UK made bailey. If you have seen how fragile a locally made caravan is ... you'll be amazed by these The baileys are bolted together sandwich panel... www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBrXICtUq0gIncredibly strong. Oh, no-one will talk about it on the european caravan lists (they must all fear being sued), but avoid at all costs the later Eldis caravans they are glued together. The glue failed within weeks/months on a couple of 'vans on the European group. The local agent is refusing to warranty them, and the factory is happy to pretend it's not happening... they are litterally falling apart and cannot be moved from there current location (the walls are falling off). I reckon it's going to be a lawcase in the near future as the people that have paid $60,000+ for a caravan group together to sue the manufacturer. seeya, shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 20, 2016 10:11:18 GMT 10
I don't understand all of this when mastic is about $5.00 bucks a tube and foam tape is pocket change. Squeeze out guarantees a leak free 'van for decades IMO. and a window that'll fall out if you unscrew the screws! seeya, Shane L. I think folks are addicted to the vineger smell when it cures!  Maybe the lure of weeks peeling balls of silastic off ungloved fingers? The fact that sillycone can only really be smeared, rather than cleaned off without nasty solvent? Methinks a look at folks bathrooms with mouldy silastic bead upon peeling bead is a clue to quality of repairs to anything. A quality silicone seal should last for at least 60 years or more, without UV exposure. Greater flex, up to 25% means that as temperature and road flex movement should allow the join to survive longer. The reality is as noted by many is that the main leak issue is the open interface of skin, insulation & internal liner that means regardless of what is chosen some form of seal between the window unit and the caravan layup must be formed, via tape or loopy heavy random amounts of any compound until no air voids exist... then seal the window frame into the now sealed cut out. Or in one go as Shane describes above with the squeeze out, that is contained between the tape & window unit. There shouldn't be any vineger smell on your caravan. It should be no-acetic cure. I used roof and gutter silicon for everything on my caravan.... except the windows and door frames. They could need to be removed if you ever need to repair them ( or replace the fridge). if they are glued in with silicon or sikaflex... Your going to have one hell of a time getting them back out! seeya, shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 18, 2016 14:40:59 GMT 10
I don't understand all of this when mastic is about $5.00 bucks a tube and foam tape is pocket change. Squeeze out guarantees a leak free 'van for decades IMO. and a window that'll fall out if you unscrew the screws!
seeya,
Shane L.
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 18, 2016 10:56:36 GMT 10
The age doesn't really matter. It's the condition. You really need to look at it. I've had people tell me there caravan are 100% leak and rott free ... drove hours to look at the .... walk over, open the caravan door .... the stink of mold and moisture hits you as soon as you open the door..... You curse, turn around walk back to your car and drive back home. No point if even looking inside. If it stinks like mold and rot.... it will be rotten and moldy You really need to go and look. An alternative is to pay a caravan repairer near by to go and look at it for you. If he gives it the thumbs up, your good to go. Don't get me wrong, he'll find a million and one things wrong with an old caravan. But all you want to know is if it's structurally ok and not rotten. seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 17, 2016 23:50:27 GMT 10
Wow ... checkout the XK's .... BTW: No knocking 2 cylinder cars .... There's nothing more fun to drive than a 2cv  seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 17, 2016 23:37:01 GMT 10
Value can't really be given without seeing the caravan.... If it's rotten and leaky very little.... If it's all nicely resealed and not rotten... it's worth something. You really need to go and have a look at it. Piccies hide to much to be of value usually seeya, Shane L. |
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Post by doublechevron on Jul 15, 2016 12:04:28 GMT 10
see if you can get one of those tiny combination shitters/showers from a pommy 'van that's been wiped out .... keep an eye on the auctions and pickup a rollover or similar. That way you get *everythign* you need. HWS, shower/shitter, tanks, pumps, gas/power setup ... hell you could even grabbed the ducted gas/power heater from it and retro-fit The pommy 'vans have really nifty (tiny lightweight) ensuite setups. seeya, Shane L. |
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BUT the shocker here is the bar centre is stamped and certified this is PRE having the ends welded on 
They seem to have just several central styles to cover all makes then heaps of precut end plates ready to be fitted bit like Ikea just need a allen key 
Maybe the lure of weeks peeling balls of silastic off ungloved fingers? The fact that sillycone can only really be smeared, rather than cleaned off without nasty solvent? 